<p>I was diagnosed with chronic migraine headaches back in June after suspicion of having migraines-not just regular headaches-for the past couple of years. I've kept up great grades the past 3 years of high school (currently a Senior) but these migraines have been beginning to kill my attendance. I've missed 21 days of my 1st period class because there's no way I can go to school and sit in a classroom full of lights and sounds without my brain KILLING me and even driving me to the point of vomiting. Because of this, my grade in that class (AP Econ) is at a D- because my teacher says that it's my duty to show up to class and so he punishes me on tests. I take my medicine but it doesn't affect me until about an hour or so later so there's nothing in my power I can do. If I can't maintain a decent grade (like a B or even a dreaded C for the semester) I'll be terrified.</p>
<p>I applied ED to Northwestern and just finished my UC apps and they say failure to maintain a C in any class senior year could result in admission being rescinded. For future apps should I say that I have this medical condition or will it not make a difference, will they understand?</p>
<p>Is there some reason why you have to continue with AP Econ or can’t take it Pass/Fail? If you have a serious medical issue, it is not unreasonable to take a somewhat lighter academic load while they figure out which combination of medications and treatments makes the most sense for you. </p>
<p>The other option is to take it on-line, at your own pace. D did this with a math class that wouldn’t fit into her schedule.</p>
<p>If you have a chronic medical condition that affects your classroom performance, you should have a 504 plan that spells out the accommodations that your teachers need to give you. Even if your first period teacher has forgotten that students can qualify for such things, your guidance counselor surely hasn’t! Get into his/her office early tomorrow and ask what you need to do to set this up. You have a right to it under ADA.</p>
<p>^^Agree! You need to start the process for a 504 asap. You have the legal right to accommodations for medical issues. These migraines are a medical condition and if you are missing school/school work, a 504 in place will prevent this teacher from having this kind of control. Your doctor will have say, and your school’s administration, and then the teacher. It can take time to get the 504 process rolling, so start it immediately.</p>
<p>@ sylan
he takes off points on free-response questions by saying i need to “explain” more, even though i’ve filled up the entire space. in fact, i compared an answer with one of another student who wrote the exact thing with even less words and he got the answer right but I wrong. when i approached my teacher about it he said I need to explain more but be more concise. he definitely has it out for me, he must think i’m sleeping in when I miss his class. he’s even said he was thinking about assigning us with “Attendance Points” where people get points just for showing up to class.</p>
<p>I do. But let’s be realistic, at the earliest I go to sleep at 10:30 (usually 11-11:30), and that’s because I’m packed with homework, studying, and ECs, literally often no free time. How much earlier can I possibly wake up without being completely sleep deprived? It’s all a lose-lose for me.</p>
<p>@ all others</p>
<p>I will certainly bring up this 504 business with my counselor tomorrow. Thank you for the advice and help</p>
<p>College can be different. The OP does not have to take classes first thing in the morning so there will be time for the medications to take effect.</p>
<p>As for the current problem - OP, your parents should be involved in this immediately. They should be getting a letter from your doctor about your medical condition and asking for a meeting to get a 504 in place. They should be discussing your test grades with the department chair and the GC - the dept chair can review your exams and any other students to see if there is unfair grading going on.</p>
<p>Most importantly, is there another section of AP Econ you can transfer to?</p>
<p>Sorry, at most colleges the OP won’t be able to totally avoid morning classes.</p>
<p>I think he risks a great deal by blaming his grades on this. Adcom will take a pass on a kid with such problems who hasn’t found a way to address it before achieving poor grades.</p>
<p>Hey, OP–migraines are AWFUL. I completely feel what you’re going through. </p>
<p>I think there’s some good advice above and I’m not adding much new here, but I would consult a medical specialist. IIRC medications can be taken preventatively for migraines. I’d also talk about a 504 plan with the school/get your parents to help you so you can get reasonable accommodations. Best of luck!</p>
<p>@Waverly I can’t think of a college where it wouldn’t be easy for OP to avoid classes that start before 10 usually and 9 sometimes. Getting up at 7 to take medicine before a 9 am is much different than getting up at 5 am to take medicine before a 7 am.</p>